NASHVILLE --- After trailing 32-13 at halftime, a determined Tennessee State women's basketball team made a second half rally only to come up short in a 62-56 Ohio Valley Conference loss to Tennessee-Martin Saturday night.
The Lady Tigers shot just 23 percent (5-of-22) in the opening half while the Skyhawks were shooting 59 percent (13-22) and scored 19 of the points off of TSU turnovers.
TSU turned up the defensive pressure in the second half forcing 17 turnovers and began cutting into the deficit. The Tigers trailed 59-56 with 18 seconds left after a pair of Jamika Banks free throws. TSU would have chance for a tie, but missed the shot and UTM was able to seal the game with three free throws down the stretch.
Andreika Jackson led UTM (5-7, 3-2 OVC) with 20 points that included hitting all seven field goals. Deina Willingham added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Freshman Obiageli Okafor led TSU (0-11, 0-5) with her second double-double, posting 12 points and 10 rebounds. Tiffany Jackson added 11.
After committing 14 turnovers in the first half, TSU had seven in the final half.